[外電] Hawks searching for solid finish
Hawks searching for solid finish
By SEKOU SMITH
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 04/12/06
The Hawks are searching again.
They're looking for the right combination of players on the
floor, just the right amount of defensive pressure and the
perfect blend of collective chemistry on offense to end a
two-game losing streak.
They've been here before, mired in a frustrating stretch of
ineffective play that has everything to do with the way they're
playing as opposed to the will being imposed upon them by an
opponent.
That's why the Hawks are convinced they can dig their way out of
this rut, starting with Wednesday night's game against Chicago at
Philips Arena.
After scoring 82 and 88 points in their last two losses and
mustering a combined 20 assists, it's no secret what the Hawks
are searching for.
They need to learn how to share again — share the ball, as well
as the responsibility and burden on defense.
"We're not making the sacrifices," Hawks coach Mike Woodson said.
"One guy gets the ball and everybody stands and watches him.
We've been pretty good this year in terms of sharing the ball
and moving it, so we have to get back to doing those things."
That's easier said than done when there are just five games left
in the season, when the focus and desire tends to drift no matter
how hard the Hawks try and maintain.
Dreams of a 30-win season were dashed with Monday night's loss in
Orlando. But the Hawks (24-53) insist they still have goals that
are attainable.
"We just want to double our win total from last year," Hawks
co-captain Al Harrington said of last season's 13-69 finish.
"Over these last five games we have to find a way to win two or
three of them. I think that is our focus right now."
The Hawks will have to try and emulate the Magic, winners of 10
straight games at TD Waterhouse Centre, and take care of business
at home. After all, the Hawks are 0-for-11 on the road since a
113-111 overtime win at Toronto March 1.
An impressive 17-21 at home this season, the Hawks have scored
wins over the likes of San Antonio, Detroit, Denver and Washington
at Philips Arena this season.
But they've yet to solve the relentless and physical attack of
the Bulls, 35-41, who are fighting for their playoff lives with
a week to play.
Joe Johnson scored 40 points against the Bulls Jan. 28 at United
Center and the Hawks still lost 111-99. Harrington went off for
32 points and 10 rebounds and Johnson 22 and seven assists in a
95-90 home loss to the Bulls March 11.
"Just like the Magic, the Bulls always play hard," Harrington
said. "That's something we can take from both of them. We have
to crank up our energy on both ends of the floor and make sure
we finish this season strong. It's hard not to realize that in
about a week this whole season is over.
"But it's like the 100 meter dash. You don't pull up at the end
of the race. You've got to put your head down at the end and run
through the tape. That's what we have to do."
資料來源
http://www.ajc.com/hawks/content/sports/hawks/stories/0412hawks.html
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